“There comes a time when music needs to be more than just sounds, and words that satisfy your ears. Blood and Fire is an album that empowers its listeners with a true sense of realism, and identity as people living what is laid on the microphone. Each word that S.O.N. delivers is intensely felt by fans. S.O.N. is passionate, darkly political, creative, and intense when delivering his rhymes. S.O.N. commands attention, and fans easily provide it when listening to the music on Blood and Fire. “
A Baltimore city high school teacher, organizer, activist, and poet, son of nun (s.o.n.) has opened for Mr. Lif, Akrobatic, Buck 65, Odd Jobs, Roni Size & Reprazent, and performed with Adam F., Diesel Boy, DJ Die, DJ Krust, and others. It is very hard to compare artists, and music but S.O.N.’s music is similar to KMD’s.music in terms of beats, and lyrics. S.O.N. is very unique and original with his music, but fans that know both artists can draw a comparison with little trouble.
The album starts off with a track entitled “Drums of War: which is more of a spoken word introduction; rather than, a typical hip hop track, or another weak introduction. The track is very affective because its creative, and its packed with flavor. The words are metaphorical, deep, and extremely penetrating. True music for the mind in every aspect. The album follows with an assortment of tight tracks, all of which are equally as solid; however, tracks nine, and eleven stand out a little more as highlight tracks. Track nine has an incredibly lifting beat that moves the soul. A fan would need to be deaf, and dead not to be inspired by this track. S.O.N. reigns fury on the microphone, and commands attention on this politically charged track. It’s easy to feel enlightened after tuning into “Free Palestine”. Track eleven, entitled “Nice”, is a funky track on the other end of the sounds spectrum for those who love diversity on an album. The crunk happy fans can bounce to the beat that is highly energetic. Heads effortlessly nod consistently, and fans that suffer from heart problems should refrain from listening to this track around fine ladies because ass will be moving so “nice” its sure to cause a heart attack. The lyrics are dope, and again, the lyrics are packed with meaningful words. The delivery of S.O.N. is faster, and different than “Free Palestine”. Each song is well written, and delivered. The production, beats, and lyrics are all top notch, and very appeasing in many different aspects. Blood and Fire features music fans respect, appreciate, and relate to in different ways. The creative narrative, and audio clips through-out are equally appreciated, and positively contribute to the music.
There are no real downside’s or critiques on this album; however, the album cover could be enhanced to be more informative, and the artwork could be better. Fans love to read about the artist & their music in the album jackets, and visually appealing artwork that is eye catchy is always a good selling tool. Music shouldn’t be selected on the cover design, but fans & people in general are always attracted first, and foremost to beauty, or in hip hop terms, something ill looking. The other downside is sometimes politically dark music is suppressed and not supported as much as it should be in the industry. An artist could put their heart and soul into a release, but no matter how much the artist believes in the music some fans may never hear that music because of a lack of support stemming from fear of the content. Not right, but it happens.
Overall S.O.N. is extremely talented, and fans need to recognize now, like immediately now. S.O.N. will blow up largely, and people world wide will listen. Blood and Fire is an incredible release that will turn many heads providing people listen to the album, and support it. It’s a cold day in hip hop when fans, and media don’t support such a strong album stacked with sixteen hot tracks that truly inspire, and have much to offer. Don’t sleep, wake up, and listen.
Track Listing:
1. Drums of War
2. One Solution
3. Born Again
4. Son’s Ready
5. Crushed Again
6. Anticipation
7. Imagination
8. Mic This
9. Free Palestine
10. Trent Lott
11. Nice
12. Headphones Dummy
13. Nine.eleven
14. Fightback
15. Self-rust
16. Who’s the Real Terrorist?
